Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1887-08-25

but until l had attained womanhood was
known as Dorcas Lynn. My first name,
however, was my only rightful legacy, for
was founding picked up on the steps of the
B founding asylum one bitter winter
night, evidently deserted by those who
should have cared for me. The matron,
Mrs. Lynn, of course took me in and kindly
cared for me; perhaps the fact that she had
few days before lost her own little daugh-
ter, made her more tender to the little wall
left TO her mercieS As near as she could
judge from my size and appearance must
have been six months old when was left at
the asylum. The person or persons who had
placed me there had evidently not intended
that / should perish from the cold, for was
warmly wrapped and goodly supply Of
clothing was also in the basket beside me.
But no clew was left to tell from whence
came; only the simple name Dorcas upon
various pieces Of linen told that / had evil
IDENTIFY been the recipient of o mothers care
at some time.
Accordingly was adopted by Mrs. Lynn,
and In absence of any other name she kind
Iy gave me hers, and as Dorcas Lynn was
known henceforth. / grew and thrived
under her care very well; but when was
seven years old my foster mother died and
again was alone.
1t was then decided by the managers 70
transfer me to the Orphans Homo In q
distant part Of the State. OF my journey
there 1 remember nothing, being too
badly frightened to recollect what hap
pened 1t was only when received by the
kind arms Of one Of the teachers and listen
ing to her soft, soothing voice, that / again
realized that / had a friend in the world,
since kind Mrs. Lynn had died.
Oh! how can we homeless ones, forsaken
by those whose duty it is to care for US,
fully testify to our gratitude for the kind
services rendered US by these sisters OF
mercy. Such haven OF refuge to the little
waits whom poverty and brutality have
made DEPENDENT
At the Home every thing was carried on
with the greatest nicely and regularity OF
arrangement. We were compelled to obey
the rules to the letter, but these, though
strict, were not unnecessarily rigorous or
unlsind. Our teachers were firm, but ever
pleasant to US. And, on the whole, we were
as merry a set Of children as one would
wish to see.
There are so many different grades of
children here brought into immediate con-
tact, that the greatest care must be exer-
csed that partiality is not shown to some
of the more attractive-a thing which will
here say is never allowed In the Home.
Some of the children are quiet, soft
spoken, with bright faces and dainty ways,
that would do credit to any Of the petted
darlings who parade Fifth avenue in silks
and ermine, and, no doubt, are of good birth.
But, also, there are loud, brutal-looking
children whose low foreheads and wide
mouths, together with rough, unpublished
manner, show the plebian blood OF the lower
classes. Others are wan, shallow children,
inheriting, no doubt, the traits OF weak,
silly mother, or the dissipated tastes of the
father. And so on; all classes, grades and
kinds mixed together in one promiscuous
heap, yet presenting, under the watchful,
exacting eye of the manager, very re-
spectacle whole.
The reader will no doubt be curious to
know to which of these classes l belonged,
and that question / often asked myself.
Yet never fully determined, for the rea-
son that did not seem to belong to any in
particular; in fact was quiet, shrinking
child, never going forward but rather wait
ing to see what others did. This fault, for
such designate it, might, had been sub
iected to some kinds of companionship, have
led me into trouble; but had grave con-
scientious sense Of duty, which In one 30
young made me appear unusually silent and
thoughtful. Inever seemed to be at home
quite as the others did. / rarely ever
romped or played as they did, but early
developed love for books and received
much praise for my aptness in my studies.
had many friends among my playmates
and teachers, and so my life passed quietly
and calmly until l was ten years old.